While unemployment in the Netherlands briefly dropped to a new record low, collectively negotiated wages rose only slowly in 2018. Furthermore a decrease in demand from abroad also dampened Dutch exports in the final months of the year.

The Dutch economy appears to have passed its cyclical peak and will grow by 2.8 per cent in 2018 and by 2.1 per cent in 2019. Economic growth is supported by a strong domestic dynamic, while net trade is expected to make a negative contribution.

The economic costs of a Brexit in 2030 are expected to range between GBP 400bn (hard Brexit) and GBP 260bn (soft Brexit), compared to a scenario where the UK would continue to be a member of the EU (Bremain). This equals £11,500 - £7,500 per British worker.

The economic costs of a Brexit in 2030 are expected to range between GBP 400bn (hard Brexit) and GBP 260bn (soft Brexit), compared to a scenario where the UK would continue to be a member of the EU (Bremain). This equals £11,500 - £7,500 per British worker.

British prime minister Theresa May invoked Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon on March 29, officially triggering the process of UK withdrawal from the European Union. The prospects for free trade with the UK are far from bright.